Operation Tarrant which ran throughout November and December led to a 23% reduction in recorded commercial burglaries in Middlesbrough, when compared with the same period in 2008.

The first phase saw businesses in the town centre, Linthorpe Road and nearby streets have a security “health check” in November.

The second phase included high profile and covert patrols being stepped up with Middlesbrough’s Neighbourhood Policing Team working on foot, from cars and on bikes in a bid to reduce thefts and burglaries during the retail sector’s busiest time of year.

The team’s efforts were backed up by specialist input and direction from crime analysts, who provided intelligence on people suspected of being involved in retail crime and information on any emerging trends.

Colleagues from Middlesbrough Council also helped in the planning and operational stages.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Warren Shepheard said: “The operation was a highly co-ordinated approach to tackling crime against businesses, which was becoming an increasing problem in Middlesbrough.

“Once again we were pleased to have the retailers onboard; their support and co-operation is invaluable and helps build even stronger partnerships.”

The checks took place on the A66 Eastbound at Long Newton in Stockton. Officers searched 32 vehicles and nine prohibitions were issued for offences such as defective tyres and excessive driving hours.

Acting Inspector Gary Hatton of the roads policing unit, said: “The number of offences we have detected shows that there are still a number of people who flout the law and this highlights that operations of this kind are essential.

“The results have shown that some of the vehicles involved warranted action by the agencies involved.

“Cleveland Police will continue, along with these partner agencies, to clamp down on these offenders and make Cleveland’s roads safer.”